Koh Chang or Island of the Elephant is a beautiful piece of paradise in eastern Thailand near the border with Cambodia. It lies in the Golf of Thailand.
Second largest island after Phuket, it offers a little bit of everything for everybody. Beautiful quiet beaches, well equipped areas for families and crazy spot for party lovers.
The island is stunning. Mountains covered with a lush rainforest are in the middle of the island.
All around it is lined with white sandy beaches or rocky spots. There is a road that goes all the way around the island in a circle, except for the last part in the south. The road has never been finishes.
There are few waterfalls scattered around the island. Unfortunately during the dry season there is not much water falling but they are still cool spots to visit.
The west side of the island is the more developed.
From the ferry arrival port, head right and you will get to White Sands (very popular spot with families and the largest beach on the island), Klong Prao (second largest village), Kai Bae (with big resorts and a smaller beach), Lonely beach (once a very quiet spot and nowadays party heaven when you can dance all night long), Bailan Bay (small and secluded Beach) and Bang Bao (main village on the island and starting poit for boat trips).
Heading left from the arrival ferry, you end up in the less developed and more quiet east side of the island. With only few resorts and small local restaurants, it is the perfect place to stay away from the crowd.
The best and easiest way to go around the island is by renting a motorbike. Price ranges between 200 and 250 Baht a day for an automatic bike. For longer stay you might be able to get a cheaper deal.
The roads are very hilly and sometimes not very well kept. You need to know how to ride a motorbike to avoid ending up with a Thai tattoo (this is how people here call wounds from motorbike injuries).
Even if you are a good driver, still be very careful. There are a lot of silly people on the road.
Enjoy Koh Chang.
